Chinese Late Qing‑Dynasty Blue‑White Porcelain Wash Basin

Description

View Chinese Late Qing‑Dynasty Blue‑White Porcelain Wash Basin with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. Large‑sized intact Cizhou‑style basins with complete Taishi‑Shaobao iconography are increasingly scarce on international antique markets. Provenance Authentic Northern‑Chinese folk‑art porcelain piece produced between 1880‑1930 (Late Qing‑Republic transition era), following the celebrated Cizhou‑kiln ceramic tradition that defined northern Chinese folk pottery for centuries. This deep‑form basin was originally made for daily household use, yet elevated with elaborate symbolic painting reflecting late‑Qing folk cultural beliefs. Art Appreciation & Cultural Symbolism  The interior under‑glaze cobalt‑blue painting displays powerful, fluid brush‑work characteristic of northern folk‑painting styles, with rich deep‑blue pigment contrasting elegantly against creamy porcelain ground, creating a bold visual statement ideal for vintage interior styling and Asian‑art collection. • Taishi‑Shaobao Nine‑Lion Motif: This iconic design relies upon classic Chinese homophonic symbolism: “Shi”, meaning lion, shares pronunciation with “Shi”, the title for imperial high‑ranking officials Taishi and Shaobao, who tutored emperors and crown‑princes in ancient China. Large adult lions stand for Taishi (supreme imperial rank), while playful cubs symbolize Shaobao, blessing the owner’s family with generational noble status, official success and lasting family honor. Nine lions additionally invoke the proverb “Nine‑Generations under One Roof”, a much‑admired ancient blessing for multi‑generational family unity and prosperity. • Peony Flowers: Lush blooming peonies interwoven with lion figures represent wealth, aristocracy and flourishing prosperity, a classic Chinese emblem of good fortune since Tang Dynasty. • Central Fu‑Shou Seal Medallion: The central circular panel features a masterfully integrated seal‑script character combining Fu (blessing, fortune) and Shou (longevity), framed with continuous Chinese fret‑pattern border. It embodies the age‑old wish for enduring good luck and long healthy life for the whole family. The basin’s underside is covered with deep brown‑glaze finish consistent with period‑produced northern‑Chinese wares, showing genuine period‑style craftsmanship. Condition Statement Structurally flawless without hairlines, chips, breaks or any repair work. All surface marks are natural patina and gentle age‑wear accumulated over 100+ years; no repainting or refinishing, fully original antique condition, a vital quality marker for serious antique‑art collectors. Collecting & Decor Merit Large‑sized intact Cizhou‑style basins with complete Taishi‑Shaobao iconography are increasingly scarce on international antique markets. It appeals both to academic collectors of Chinese folk ceramics and high‑end interior designers building Asian‑vintage spaces. It forms a striking museum‑style centre‑piece for home display or gallery exhibition, blending tangible history, vivid folk‑art aesthetics and layered ancient symbolic blessings. Category: Antiques › Asian Antiques › China › Vases.

Primary Material

Porcelain & Pottery

Color

Blue

Original/Reproduction

Antique Original

Region of Origin

China